After researching online forums for an affordable lawyer in Stilton, most advise that I should use a CQS assured lawyer. What is CQS?

The Law Society's Conveyancing Quality Scheme is the recognised quality mark for legal experts in home moving process, trusted by some of the UK's leading mortgage companies. Four years ago the Conveyancing Quality Scheme was officially recognised by the Association of British Insurers (ABI). The scheme does not cover licenced conveyancers. Stilton is one of the numerous areas of the UK where there are Accredited lawyers.

We are getting the release of further funds on our home loan from Leeds Building Society as we wish to carry out renovations to our home in Stilton. Do we need to select a local Stilton solicitor on the Leeds Building Society conveyancing panel to deal with the legals?

Leeds Building Society would not normally instruct a member of their approved list of lawyers to handle the formalities. If they do require any legal work then you would need to ensure that such a lawyer was on the Leeds Building Society panel.

My fiancee and I are spending time looking at apartments in Stilton and I am about to put in an offer. Should I already have a lawyer in place at this stage? I am planning to take a mortgage with Yorkshire BS.

You should start obtaining conveyancing quotes from solicitors ASAP. Once you decide who you want to use and once your offer is accepted you can instruct them to work for you and pass their contact information on to the estate agent. Given that you are taking out a mortgage with Yorkshire BS, ask your prospective lawyers if they are on the Yorkshire BS conveyancing panel otherwise they can't do the mortgage legal work.

Co-operative have agreed my mortgage in principle, my offer on a property in Stilton has been agreed to, what happens next?

The property agent will need to know who your solicitors are (make sure the solicitors are on the bank’s panel). Telephone Co-operative or your financial adviser and complete any appropriate documentation. Co-operative will instruct a valuer who will get in touch with the estate agent or owners to arrange an appointment. Once conducted (assuming no problems) it takes about ten days for the mortgage offer to be issued. Co-operative will send the offer to you and your property lawyers. The transaction will then take it’s course according the nature and complexity of the conveyancing in Stilton.

Should my lawyer be raising questions about flooding during the conveyancing in Stilton.

Flooding is a growing risk for solicitors dealing with homes in Stilton. There are those who purchase a property in Stilton, fully expectant that at some time, it may be flooded. However, aside from the physical destruction, if a property is at risk of flooding, it may be difficult to obtain a mortgage, suitable building insurance, or sell the premises. There are steps that can be taken during the course of a house purchase to forewarn the purchaser.

Conveyancers are not best placed to give advice on flood risk, but there are a various searches that can be initiated by the purchaser or on a buyer’s behalf which can figure out the risks in Stilton. The standard property information forms sent to a buyer’s lawyer (where the solicitors are adopting what is known as the Conveyancing Protocol) incorporates a usual inquiry of the seller to discover if the premises has suffered from flooding. If the residence has been flooded in past and is not disclosed by the owner, then a purchaser may bring a compensation claim resulting from an inaccurate reply. The purchaser’s conveyancers should also conduct an enviro search. This should higlight if there is any known flood risk. If so, further investigations should be made.

What advice can you give us when it comes to choosing a Stilton conveyancing firm to deal with our lease extension?

When appointing a conveyancer for lease extension works (regardless if they are a Stilton conveyancing firm) it is most important that he or she should be familiar with the legislation and specialises in this area of conveyancing. We suggest that you make enquires with several firms including non Stilton conveyancing practices before you instructing a firm. If the firm is ALEP accredited then that’s a bonus. The following questions might be helpful:

Can they put you in touch with clients in Stilton who can give a testimonial?

Stilton Conveyancing for Leasehold Flats - Examples of Questions you should consider before Purchasing

You should be aware that where the lease has less than 80 years it will impact the salability of the flat. It is worth checking with your lender that they are content with the length of the lease. A short lease means that you will probably have to extend the lease at some point and you need to have some idea of what this would cost. For most Stiltonlease extensions you will be required to have been the owner of the residence for a couple of years before you are entitled to exercise a lease extension. Who are the managing agents? How much is the service charge and ground rent on the flat?

I require the services of a bank panel solicitor in Stilton. Can you assist?

Unfortunately it’s not apparent why you need a Stilton panel solicitor but in any event, if you can not find one on our search tool you will need to speak directly to the lender to find out which solicitors in Stilton are on their panel . If you do find such a firm in Stilton not listed please direct them to our site to list. At a fee of one pound per month it is not expensive to register on the site